Without understanding what was happening, I found myself surrounded by the princes and princesses of the Tamerid Empire, as well as Fiona''s three sons and her other daughter. Of course, the reason for this was Princess Evangeline, who was the first to approach me, followed in turn by the other princes and princesses.


    I could eventually understand why Princess Evangeline wasing towards me, but what about the other siblings who followed her like ducklings?


    Unfortunately, the table I was sitting at was quiterge, making it a reasonable size for others to sit at. They had already started talking among themselves, but since I didn''t see a need to join the conversation, I directed my gaze towards the engaged couple. They were exchanging rings, and then Tamerid''s second prince leaned forward and kissed Um. The crowd began to apud and cheer.


    After a passionate kiss, they withdrew and approached the clergyman. The clergyman sprinkled a kind of water on the couple''s heads and then recited a prayer in a distinctnguage.


    After the clergyman finished his prayers, the guests around the couple slowly began to p. The love and devotion in the couple''s eyes were among the most special moments of the ceremony. King Richard and Emperor Exdarth of Tamerid were standing next to the couple. When the clergyman left the area, the crowd here finally started to stir.


    "Althea, bring the gift," I said, and Althea nodded and walked away.


    In this world''s traditions, giving gifts during an engagement ceremony was customary. Gifts were never given at weddings, as giving gifts at a wedding would be considered disrespectful, except for Southerners. Southerners generally presented their gifts at marriage ceremonies. However, there were no Southerners here, so everyone else followed the tradition and lined up to give their gifts.


    Respecting such traditions, I also intended to present my gift at the engagement ceremony.


    Althea returned with two male servants, and I stood up and walked towards the newly engaged couple. When I nced back, I noticed that Evangeline was walking beside me. As I approached the couple, I noticed Fiona looking at me, but I couldn''t discern any emotion from her gaze—it definitely wasn''t an indifferent look.


    I also saw my mother, Luciana, looking at me with a proud expression. I walked with the servants carrying the chest towards the slightly elevated tform where the couple was standing. The servants behind me were using all their focus to avoid dropping the chest down the stairs. When I finally approached the couple, I nced at the two state leaders beside them.


    My father, King Richard, had a smile on his face, while Emperor Exdarth had a curious expression. Ignoring the two, I looked at the couple and noticed a fleeting expression of hatred on my sister Um''s face.


    "I congratte Princess Um and Prince Yavein on their engagement," I said in apletely indifferent tone.


    I first called Althea from behind and asked her to bring the long box she was holding. Althea opened the long box and took out a shining sword.


    "This is a masterpiece made by Master Grannor from the South, who has struck twenty thousand times" I said briefly.


    Then I called the two male servants behind me and watched as they ced the chest beside me. I opened the chest to reveal the clothes shining in the sunlight.


    "These are products I brought from the Tiamat Empire in the North for my sister Um. I congratte you both on your engagement again and hope you have an advantageous marriage," I said and walked back to my seat with Althea.


    My cold and indifferent manner had attracted a lot of attention, but for some reason, the interest of Princess Evangeline, who was watching me with a grin, caught my attention the most.


    Instead of returning to my seat, I moved to another empty ce by theke and poured myself a drink. Since the ce was covered with white marble, it was not wet at all. Before long, Evangeline came to the ce where I had moved and sat in the chair next to me.


    "It''s quite a pleasant view, isn''t it? Unfortunately, unlike you, who can see this view every day, I will only see it once," said Evangeline as she prepared herself a drink.


    "If you want, you can see it every day," I said casually, which caused Evangeline to look at me with a surprised expression.


    "Was that a roundabout marriage proposal?"


    When faced with this unexpected question, I realized from Evangeline''sughter that she wasn''t serious. Also, it was impossible not to sense the killing aura emanating from Althea behind me.


    "I''m joking. I know you''re not the kind of man to propose. So, I guess I''ll have to propose," she said.


    I wasn''t sure if this girl was joking or serious, but I knew I needed to do something about Althea''s deadly res.


    "Althea, go wait for me in the carriage. I''ll join you soon," I said, looking at Althea.


    There was a hint of disappointment in Althea''s eyes, and she looked at me with a surprised expression, but then she turned and left. I made a mental note to pamper herter and turned back to Evangeline. She was looking at me with a mischievous smile.


    "Was that an indirect deration of love, Princess?" I asked, while refilling my ss.


    "If it were, would you ept it?" she asked suddenly again.


    Her attitude continued to surprise me, but after clearing my throat, I momentarily considered actually marrying Evangeline. She was a princess of the Tamerid Empire, and with my help, she would certainly be the next empress. The power dynamics in the Tamerid Empire were moreplex than those in the Asina Kingdom, but this actually made gaining power simpler.


    If I were a prince in the Tamerid Empire right now, I would probably be the sole heir to the throne and I would have already defeated my siblings. I know this sounds a bit arrogant, but it was true.


    Ultimately, in the Tamerid Empire, princes and princesses could summon an army whenever they wished, and this was not against the rules. Just for this reason alone, I could easily neutralize many of my rivals. After all, I used to be a history teacher and knew a great deal about cunning military tactics, especially forrge-scale wars.


    "I suppose if that''s the case, I could discuss the marriage discussing  with you" I replied to the surprised Evangeline.


    Evangeline''s expression of surprise seemed to be trying to gauge whether my response was genuine. There was a moment of silence, interrupted only by the sounds of the surrounding crowd and a few curious nces. Finally, Evangeline smiled slightly and took a sip of her drink.


    "When a princess from the most powerful state on the continent proposes to you, do you really want to waste time discussing it?" she asked, taking another sip of her drink. "Also, are you truly interested, or are you just joking?" she added, finishing her drink in one gulp.


    Evangeline''s serious tone made it clear that this was not just a joke. Her smile had vanished, reced by an expression of curiosity and anticipation. Her demeanor furtherplicated my thoughts. Taking a sip of my drink, I wanted to delve deeper into the subject.


    "I am serious, Princess," I said, setting aside my inner ns and looking into Evangeline''s eyes. "However, epting such a proposal is a significant step and cannot be decided with just a few sentences."


    Evangeline tilted her head slightly and stared at me. "Then what kind of step do you think we should take?" she asked. Her tone clearly reflected seriousness and interest.


    "First, everything needs to be rified, and both sides must evaluate this decision from all angles," I said. "We must particrly consider the power dynamics between the Tamerid Empire and the Asina Kingdom."


    Evangeline''s eyes lit up. "It''s clear you are quite serious about this," she said. "However, understanding the emotions and intentions of both sides will be important in this process. We will also need to consider the rtionships between the two empires." There was an evident hidden meaning in her words.


    "Then,e to my study when you have time, and we can discuss this further," I said, standing up. "Now, if you''ll excuse me," I added, straightening my clothes.


    "I will visit you when I have time," she said.


    "Oh, and by the way, I should let you know that I won''t be very avable tomorrow," I said, walking towards the carriage.


    Although I noticed that people were watching me because of my premature departure, I walked to the carriage without paying much attention and got inside. As I sat in the carriage, Evangeline''s words and nces were still running through my mind. I needed more information to understand the true intent behind this sudden and striking proposal.


    Whether Evangeline was joking or serious was a crucial factor that would influence my future ns.


    As the carriage doors closed and I looked out at the passing scenery, I began to consider the implications of the proposal from both personal and political perspectives. But then I shook my head and pushed the thoughts aside. I looked at Althea beside me, and my eyes widened in surprise. Even though she had looked away, I noticed her wetshes and slightly swollen eyes.


    However, I understood that Althea was not in the mood for conversation right now, so I remained silent. Doing anything now might backfire...